After 6 years, construction will begin soon for the Wauwatosa Veterans Memorial

WAUWATOSA, Wis. (CBS 58) -- A Memorial Day observance was held in Wauwatosa Monday, May 26 at the future site of a monument that will honor veterans.

A sign marks the space in Hart Park where local veterans are hoping to complete a veteran's memorial in just six months.

It's a project that has been in the works for nearly six years.

A groundbreaking ceremony was held after Monday's Memorial Day observance.

"I am ecstatic that we've gotten so far, and we're getting closer," said Alex Kaleta, who serves as the co-chair of the Wauwatosa Veterans Memorial Committee.

Since 2019, local VFW members have been planning to build a 7-foot-tall granite monument with seven flags, surrounded by bricks dedicated to service members, but raising enough money has been a difficult process.

"Every time we meet, something has gone up in price, and so that's why we're continuing to fundraise," Kaleta said. "We want to make sure we have enough to complete the project."

The project is now about 80% funded, and Kaleta says that's finally enough to get started.

"The main thing is to get the monument up, the flags up, and the pergolas up, so we're able to celebrate Veterans Day hopefully here in Hart Park this year," he explained.

Donations are still needed, including dedicated bricks. They can honor veterans from anywhere in the country.

Once complete, Kaleta hopes it will be a space not only for remembrance, but for teaching younger generations.

"We can bring students here to say this is what made our country. These men and women who served," he said.

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